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20/01/2012
Third Baby Dies In Belfast Hospital
Three babies have now died at the Royal Maternity Hospital in Belfast after the outbreak of an infection in the hospital’s neo-natal unit.
The third death was confirmed on Friday after the outbreak of a dangerous bacterium called pseudomonas aeruginosa was linked to the deaths of two babies.
The first baby died from the infection on January 6, 2012, with the second death coming a week later.
Chief Executive of the Belfast Health Trust said a full investigation was being carried out and admission to the unit is being restricted.
It is understood the bacteria can cause infections in the chest, blood, and urine. This is not a common infection but it can be treated with the right antibiotics.
Health Minister Called To Address Assembly
Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy said:"I am shocked and deeply saddened at these deaths. This must be a horrific time for all the families and my heart goes out to them.
"To lose a baby is one of the most devastating things that can happen to a family and I am sure I speak for people across Northern Ireland when I say they are in our thoughts at this very difficult time.
"It is absolutely crucial that the public have the utmost confidence in our health service and that is why I am saying it's essential that there is a searching investigation into these deaths. Everything possible must be done to prevent any further deaths of this nature.
"The Minister must reassure the public that all that can be done is being done to address this matter and I am calling on him to make a statement in the Assembly on Monday to inform people of the actions he is taking to help prevent deaths like these in the future."
(LB/DW)
The third death was confirmed on Friday after the outbreak of a dangerous bacterium called pseudomonas aeruginosa was linked to the deaths of two babies.
The first baby died from the infection on January 6, 2012, with the second death coming a week later.
Chief Executive of the Belfast Health Trust said a full investigation was being carried out and admission to the unit is being restricted.
It is understood the bacteria can cause infections in the chest, blood, and urine. This is not a common infection but it can be treated with the right antibiotics.
Health Minister Called To Address Assembly
Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy said:"I am shocked and deeply saddened at these deaths. This must be a horrific time for all the families and my heart goes out to them.
"To lose a baby is one of the most devastating things that can happen to a family and I am sure I speak for people across Northern Ireland when I say they are in our thoughts at this very difficult time.
"It is absolutely crucial that the public have the utmost confidence in our health service and that is why I am saying it's essential that there is a searching investigation into these deaths. Everything possible must be done to prevent any further deaths of this nature.
"The Minister must reassure the public that all that can be done is being done to address this matter and I am calling on him to make a statement in the Assembly on Monday to inform people of the actions he is taking to help prevent deaths like these in the future."
(LB/DW)
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